Wisdom and Fear

Wisdom and Fear

Jim Taylor Updated Staff Photo

Jim Taylor

Pelham Discipleship & Groups; Central Care & Recovery

Open Bible

Scripture on Fear of Man vs. Fear of God

Featured Resource | Additional scriptures on fear of man, approval, and affirmation.

Key Points

  • Biblical fear isn’t merely an emotion; it is a driver that will either push us toward God or away from God.

  • If we are driven by fear of or desire to please people, we expect to gain approval, security, control, power, or comfort. Scripture warns that this is a trap and that we won't receive these outcomes.

  • All of our most-respected heroes of the Bible cared more about what God thought than about what those around them thought.

  • Our actions reveal what we believe and whom we fear.

  • Righteous people know that God is the source of life and blessing, and they truly want him more than the blessings.

Application

  • When fear comes, we need to pause and ask what we are afraid of. If we can identify the fear that drives our actions, we have an opportunity for the gospel to intersect with that moment.

  • God reveals His truth to us over time. As we apply His truth in daily circumstances, our fear of Him and our trust in Him grow.